Suspending Judgment: A Key to Being Culturally Competent

Presented by

Tinisha L. Agramonte Director, Outreach and Retention Office of Diversity and Inclusion
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES Briefly explore the concepts and definitions of culture and cultural competency Briefly discuss the benefits of a culturally competent organization (effective Diversity Management) Identify personal biases and judgments Discuss and Practice strategies to suspend judgment Increase participants ability to effectively communicate across cultural lines WORKSHOP GUIDING PRINCIPLE You Dont Know What You Dont Know!

WORKSHOP METHODOLOGY Lecture, small group discussions, and role plays

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Culture
What is Culture?
Definition: the sum total of the way of living; includes values, beliefs, standards, language, thinking patterns, behavioral norms, communications styles, etc. Guides decisions and actions of a group through time.

Cultural Competency
Cultural Competence Definition
A set of congruent behaviors, practices, attitudes and policies that come together in a system or agency or among professionals, enabling effective work to be done in cross-cultural situations

GUIDING DIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLE

The shifting demographics in this country require VAs employees to be CULTURALLY COMPETENT to effectively accomplish its mission and to realize its vision

Department of Veterans Affairs Mission

To fulfill President Lincolns promise To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan by serving and honoring the men and women who are Americas veterans. What changes has the VA seen w/regards to its veteran demographic population?

What is required/ will be required as a result of the changing demographics?

Diversity Data
PROJECTIONS: By 2050, Latino and Asian populations will double, and the Black population will grow by 71%. The US will attract 1 million immigrants a year, most of Latino or Asian origin.

By 2030, 1 in 4 US residents will be Latino or Asian.

Cultural Competence, Effective Diversity Management, Mission Accomplishment The Connection & Benefits Diversity Management Goes beyond legalistic and moral approaches to EEO to develop a workplace that allows all employees to perform at their individual best Focuses on mission effectivenessremoving attitudinal, physical, and/or institutional barriers, with regards to diversity, that compromise the organizations ability to meet its mission. Employs tactics to leverage strengths, talents, competencies, etc.
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The issue sold out in the US and UK in 72 hours, and was immediately rushed to reprint 30,000 extra copies for American newsstands, another 10,000 for Britain and 20,000 more in Italy. I guess black models can sell magazines after all, right? African-American women shell out 80 percent more money on cosmetics and twice as much on skin care products than the general market.

VA Mission and Diversity Management

How are they related?
VAs Diversity Management program is committed to building a workplace collaboration of cultures to enhance the support provided to veterans. Differences in experience, education, geography, language and perspective are treated as value-added contributions rather than distractions. Diversity programs may include outreach to the community and affinity groups to find how better to serve veterans of various demographics and how better to find qualified employment candidates and address a wide range of employee workplace concerns and workforce trends.
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Murphy Brown Time

Who Is the Norm?
POLITICALLY CORRECT COMMENTS, OBSERVATIONS ???

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What is Diversity To You?

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Diversity Dimensions
Digital Competence Communication Styles Education Parental Status Marital Status Work Styles Appearance

Language
Age Gender Ethnic Heritage Size Mental Physical Abilities Abilities

Religion Income Military Experience Work Experience

Sexual Orientation Race

Geographic Location

Primary

VALUES

Occupations

Secondary
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SocializationWho and what established your ruler???

All encompassing educational process through which Values, Goals, Beliefs, Attitudes, and Gender roles are acquired Primary method of learning culture; That framework of shared designs for livingdetermines boundaries around what is right/wrong, good/bad, etc.
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Our Perception is Based On:

Life experiences (Pleasure vs. Pain) Parental Influence Peer-group influence Media influence Education vs. Socialization

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The Cultural Competence Continuum

Where Am I Now? Where Could I Be?

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The Cultural Competence Continuum

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Cultural Competence Definitions

Cultural Destructiveness: forced assimilation, subjugation, rights and privileges for dominant groups only Cultural Incapacity: racism, maintain stereotypes, unfair hiring practices Cultural Blindness: differences ignored, treat everyone the same, only meet needs of dominant groups

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Cultural Competence Definitions, cont.

Cultural Pre-competence: explore cultural issues, are committed, assess needs of organization and individuals Cultural Competence: recognize individual and cultural differences, seek advice from diverse groups, hire culturally unbiased staff Cultural Proficiency: implement changes to improve services based upon cultural needs, do research and teach

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When Cultural Incompetence Occurs

Conflicts arise, leading to
Discrimination allegations/Grievances Low morale, productivity, tense working relationships Mishaps, terminations, resignations, retention issues Bullying or workplace violence Ineffective mission accomplishment (honoring veterans as heroes by providing outstanding care)

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Benefits of Workforce Diversity & Inclusion (Cultural Competence, Effective Diversity Mgt)
Improved understanding of those you work for, with, and around. Creates a work environment that allows everyone to reach their full potential. Provides multiple perspectives on problem solving. Better performance outcomes. Increases employee productivity. Increased retention rates. Boosts employee morale. Improved customer relations. Reduces complaints and grievances. Its the right thing to do!

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Acquiring Cultural Competence

Starts with Awareness Grows with Knowledge Enhanced with Specific Skills Polished through Cross-Cultural Encounters

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To Suspend Judgment One Must:

Seek first to understand before being understood Observe and Actively listen without judging-remember listening does not equate to agreeing Be willing to allow people to feel what they feel Be willing to commit to future actions way ahead
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Questions

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Office of Diversity and Inclusion

Tinisha Agramonte Director, Outreach and Retention 202-461-4030 http://www.diversity.hr.va.gov

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